Isaiah 6:1-5

“And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” vs. 5

While there are similarities in the “call” stories that we find in scripture, there are also significant differences. Isaiah described his experience as a kind of vision that had taken place in the temple, one that was so spectacular he likely could have given the day and the hour. He had seen the glory of God, and it was overwhelming, and most significantly it had reminded him of his own uncleanness. He wasn’t worthy to be in the presence of such awesome Divinity, and what he reports sums up the essence of the human experience. As we live out our days in this magnificent universe believers will from time to time catch glimpses of God’s ultimate goodness and glory. It could happen in worship and many times it happens as we interact with the splendors of the creation. But while those moments are wonderful they also remind us of our  brokenness and reveal our imperfections. At times the sheer ugliness of human behaviors can drive us to despair. And even though we’re appalled, we also have to admit that the perpetrators are our brothers and sisters. And while we may not like to admit our own culpability for any of the brokenness, we stand with Isaiah. We live among “a people of unclean lips,” and their guilt is ours!

Thought for the Day: Why is it hard to confess corporate guilt?